BULLDOGS ANNOUNCE 25 MAN ROSTER TO START SEASON

Unlike the NHL which limits a roster to twenty-three players, the American Hockey League has no restriction. The Canadiens have elected to keep 25 in camp at least for the early part of the season. A team may still only dress 18 skaters and two goaltenders for each game which means there will be three forwards, a defenseman and a goaltender constantly looking for ice time.

If the Canadiens don’t demote a couple of players to Wheeling or release them beforehand, part of the glut will solve itself whenever the NHL lockout ends and Louis Leblanc, Aaron Palushaj, Blake Geoffrion and one or two others are given a chance for promotion to the Canadiens roster.

To start the season, new coach Sylvain Lefebvre will have Geoffrion centring rookies Steve Quailer and Brendan Gallagher, Michael Bournival between Aaron Palushaj and Patrick Holland. Both Bournival and Holland also played junior hockey last season. The third line will be more experienced with Daryl Boyce centring Michael Blunden and Leblanc. After that, it’s anybody’s guess.

From the Canadiens Communications Department

HAMILTON, ON – Montreal Canadiens and Hamilton Bulldogs General Manager Marc Bergevin announced today the opening night roster for the 2012-2013 season, the team’s 17th season in the AHL. The roster consists of 25 players which includes 15 forwards, seven defencemen and three goaltenders.